System providing self-service access to locked merchandise

ABSTRACT

A system providing self-service access to locked merchandise comprising: (a) providing a fixture that restricts access to the locked merchandise, wherein the fixture can automatically lock or unlock, allowing or restricting access to the locked merchandise; (b) providing a means of uniquely identifying an individual attempting to access the merchandise; (c) measuring a set of behaviors of the individual during any time the fixture is an open mode; (d) assessing whether the set of behaviors of the individual are suspicious or not relative to a set of suspicious event thresholds; (e) storing the individual and their set of behaviors as accessible records in at least one database; and (f) providing an algorithm which determines future access privileges of the individual to the enclosure based on a set of variables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a universal paradox in retail stores, the better you protectyour merchandise from theft, the greater the impact this protection hason product sales. In their effort to reduce theft of merchandise,retailers place restrictions on access to merchandise, impacting thevast majority of legitimate shoppers. The typical outcome is retailersinconvenience 99% of legitimate shoppers to stop theft from the 1% whocome into their stores to steal. For example, a common method ofreducing theft in a retail environment is to secure high-valuemerchandise by locking it up in a cabinet or other limited accessmerchandise fixture that makes it difficult for legitimate shoppers toaccess the product. To complete a purchase, the shopper must locate astore associate to unlock the fixture, gain access to the merchandise,and ultimately purchase the desired item(s). This process is not onlycostly and labor intensive for retailers, but it's time consuming,frustrating, and inconvenient, for the shopper, which nearly alwaysleads to a horrible customer experience. This locked fixture approachhas existed for year, virtually unchanged, and remains a significantproblem for retailers. The primary goal of this invention is tomodernize this outdated approach and to provide retailers with a meansof protecting merchandise from theft, while creating virtually openaccess to this high value merchandise by legitimate shoppers, arguablyproviding retailers with the best of both worlds.

The recent trend of people willing to trade privacy for convenience isadvantageous to the invention. More and more people willinglysurrendering personal information to more easily access their phones,ATM's, board airplanes and other services. This invention capitalizes onthis trend by requiring shoppers to provide personal identifyinginformation in exchange for the convenience of unfettered access tomerchandise. A typical example would be a shopper desiring to purchasehigh-value merchandise secured inside a locked liquor cabinet. Withoutthis invention, the shopper would have to track down a store associatewho has to locate the key to open the cabinet and access the goods. Thiscumbersome, time consuming, and inconvenient process typically resultsin a loss of 25% to 50% of sales; all this to thwart theft from 1% ofthe shoppers. Using this invention, a shopper approaching the samelocked liquor cabinet is identified by some means, such as facialrecognition, the use of the retailer's app or some form of customerloyalty information, and the cabinet automatically unlocks. So long asthis same shopper doesn't exhibit suspicious behavior, as described inthis disclosure, the cabinet automatically opens each time this shopperreturns.

While locking or otherwise securing merchandise reduces or eveneliminates theft, it also suppresses legitimate sales due to theinconvenience of or even inability of the shopper to obtain requiredassistance when and where needed. This inconvenience causes asignificant percentage of shoppers to abandon the purchase. The value ofthese lost sales often exceeds the savings realized by preventing theft.Even worse, shoppers significantly inconvenienced in a store oftenadversely impacts loyalty (i.e., a regular shopper may choose to switchto a competitive store for future shopping trips), representing a farlarger loss than the missed sale of the protected item.

Given this tension between theft and sales losses, retailers oftenchoose sales preservation over loss prevention. It is simply morefinancially advantageous to suffer theft losses rather than sales lossescaused by securing theft-prone merchandise. This invention fundamentallyeliminates this tension. It allows product protection from theft evenwhile enabling free access to merchandise by trusted customers. Inshort, retailers no longer have to choose between protecting productsfrom theft and reducing sales. Instead, legitimate shoppers are providedready access to protected merchandise while such automatic access isdenied to individuals deemed “untrusted” by the retailer. Theself-service system described in this invention enables retailers toimplement effective loss prevention measures which no longer adverselyimpacts merchandise sales or the shopping experience. Further, theinvention supports loss prevention measures that mitigate bothopportunistic shoplifting (typically an individual stealing an item) aswell as multi-item sweeps (theft of many items at the same time)typically committed by booster teams as part of large-scale organizedretail crime operations.

While the above antitheft scenario inspired the invention, it can alsobe used advantageously in other situations in which identifiedindividuals that exhibit desired behaviors are rewarded with unfetteredaccess to merchandise or other privileges.

In addition to the sales recovery and customer experience advantagesprovided by the invention, there are significant labor savings achievedby allowing customers to self-service locked merchandise. A typicaltransaction requiring a store associate to respond to a customer requestto unlock a case can require up to 10 minutes of “task interruption”time for the store associate. From responding to the customer, locatingthe key, unlocking the cabinet and allowing the customer to shop thecase, and then returning to tasking, this often takes 10 minutes. 10minutes of store associate time is equivalent to ˜$2.50. This cost alongwith the lost productivity can easily eliminate any profit frommerchandise sold in the locked fixture.

Finally, lost keys and re-keying of locked cases is a real problem inretail. Employees misplace keys, they bring them home after their shift,and the mechanism eventually wears out. This not only causes lost salesdue to then inability to access the merchandise, but the cost ofre-keying fixtures is significant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a system providing self-serviceaccess to locked merchandise comprising: (a) providing a fixture thatrestricts access to the locked merchandise, wherein the fixture canautomatically lock or unlock, allowing or restricting access to thelocked merchandise; (b) providing a means of uniquely identifying anindividual attempting to access the merchandise; (c) measuring a set ofbehaviors of the individual during any time the fixture is an open mode;(d) assessing whether the set of behaviors of the individual aresuspicious or not relative to a set of suspicious event thresholds; (e)storing the individual and their set of behaviors as accessible recordsin at least one database; and (f) providing an algorithm whichdetermines future access privileges of the individual to the enclosurebased on a set of variables. Preferably, the fixture admits or restrictsaccess based on a trusted shopper score assigned to the individual whencompared to a trusted shopper score threshold. Most preferably, thetrusted shopper score increases when the individual exhibits normalbehaviors and the trusted shopper score decreases when the individualexhibits suspicious behaviors. Optionally, at least one database isselected from the group consisting of a customer, a VIP customer, aknown offender, a banned customer, a store associate, merchandisevendor, security personnel, and other. Preferably, the system assignsthe individual's behavior as either normal or suspicious by comparingthe set of behaviors of the individuals relative to interactions withthe merchandise contained in the fixture or their interactions with thefixture itself against the set of suspicious event thresholds. Mostpreferably, the system is capable of deploying a set of real timedeterrents once a suspicious behavior threshold is crossed.

In another aspect, the means of uniquely identifying the individual isat least one selected from the group consisting of biometricidentification methods, RFID, NFC, bar codes, QR codes, user ID andPasswords, credit or bank cards, driver's licenses, smart phone App's,and cell phones. Alternatively, the fixture restricts access to themerchandise in the fixture through restricting access to the merchandiserelative to the individual until access is granted. Preferably, thesystem further comprises at least one sensor to track and monitor theset of behaviors from the individual.

In yet another aspect, the individual can be associated with aclassification of at least one selected from the group consisting of acustomer, a VIP customer, a known offender, a banned customer, a storeassociate, merchandise vendor, security personnel, and other.Preferably, the suspicious event threshold can be determined based onthe classification of the individual. Alternatively, individualsclassified as authorized store associates have suspicious event andtrusted shopper score thresholds set to allow stocking of the fixturewithout such behavior being classified a suspicious behavior.Preferably, if a request to open the fixture is made by certain highrisk classes of individuals, then the system will transmit a classspecific response comprising sending a unique identifier (UID) to astore associate. Optionally, a class of individual can be denied accessfor a specified period of time. Preferably, the suspicious behaviorthreshold can be automatically set based on a statistical analysis ofpast behaviors from a number of individuals. Alternatively, a localreal-time deterrent is deployed in real time when the suspicious eventthreshold is crossed. More preferably, the system will transmit a classspecific response comprising sending a unique identifier (UID) to astore associate if a request to open the fixture is made by certain highrisk classes of individuals. Optionally, a user of the system can enrollknown offenders, store associates, vendor personnel, and securitypersonnel into its individual classification database.

The primary purpose of the invention is to maximize sales whileminimizing theft. It also maximizes convenience and improves theshopping experience for the vast majority of legitimate shoppers whileselectively denying unsupervised merchandise access by likelyshoplifters. The invention intelligently enables and disables real timedeterrents based on a given shopper's past behaviors and othervariables. By uniquely identifying each shopper at a merchandise displayfixture and simultaneously observing and recording their behavior, theinvention can determine if future product access will be granted to thatshopper. Once a shopper exhibits suspicious behavior, anti-theft realtime deterrents are deployed during the event, and also duringsubsequent visits. For example, a legitimate shopper will be grantedfree access to a locked merchandise cabinet while an “untrusted”individual is denied unsupervised access. This is accomplished byuniquely identifying the person (though not necessarily “by name”) anddetermining if past behavior or other factors warrant granting thatperson access to the merchandise. Once access is granted, the inventionmay trigger local alarms or real time store personnel notification ifthe shopper exhibits suspicious behaviors resembling theft events inprogress. The invention draws upon several methods for uniquelyidentifying shoppers requesting access to protected merchandise, andseveral other methods for identifying behaviors deemed normal,undesirable, or suspicious. By coupling the elements of personalidentification, product movement sensing technologies, databasecorrelations, and algorithms, access to protected merchandise can beoptimally managed.

In certain configurations, the restricted access fixture may containmultiple locked fixtures which are coupled to a single customer facingUser Interface and or local controller. This centralized controllerprovides a single point of individual authentication and facilitatesaccess to the all the associated locked fixtures. Using one method ofaccessing the multitude of locked cases, the central authenticationcontroller would authenticate the individual requesting access to thelocked fixtures as a trusted shopper, once authenticated, all lockedfixtures coupled to that controller would open. Once the shopper opensone of the coupled fixtures, the other locked fixtures would re-lock. Inanother embodiment, the user can select a specific locked fixture of themultiple locked fixtures to access, and only that specific fixture wouldbe opened. For all these multi-locked fixtures use cases, the normalauthentication processes, suspicious event detection processes,deterrent activations, employee notifications etc. which are utilized ina single locked fixture configuration would be utilized in thismulti-case configuration.

It should be noted that the self-service authentication methods used toaccess to locked merchandise practiced by this invention are optionaland are accessed on an “opt-in basis”. Any customer who is uncomfortableutilizing these identification and authentication methodologies or isuncomfortable trading personal identifying information in exchange forself service access to locked merchandise may simply summon a storeassociate through the system and the store associate can provide accessto the locked merchandise.

This invention has other applications where past behaviors can bemonitored to grant or deny privileges in the future. Since the inventioncorrelates uniquely identified individuals with merchandise interactionbehaviors, it can also be utilized at fixed self-checkout stations aswell as self-checkout via mobile devices to identify “trusted shoppers”who have exhibited repeated good behaviors as well as “untrustedshoppers” who have exhibited suspicious behaviors in the past.

While reasonable variations of the operating sequence may be implementedper the detailed description, the following represents a typicaloperating sequence of the invention.

First, a person desiring access to the locked merchandise fixtureencounters a visual display adjacent to the locked fixture whichpresents the customer with two options, to either call an associate tounlock the fixure in the traditional way, or to use personalidentification to enable self-service access to the locked fixture. Thecustomer so indicates their choice by pressing a soft button on thetouch screen display.

If the customer selects the self-service option, they are then presenteda disclosure statement which provides “informed consent” for the systemto utilize personal information for the purpose of unlocking thefixture. If the system is using biometrics such as facial recognition touniquely identify the shopper, a visual and/or audible message theninstructs the user to look directly at the camera typically locatedabove the display. The display presents the customer with an image ofthe shopper from the embedded camera. The customer aligns their facewith a box on the screen, thus providing a perfect “mug shot” of theindividual. The system then compares the biometric information with adatabase to determine if this individual is a “trusted shopper” and willbe allowed access to the locked case.

Once the customer is determined to be a trusted shopper, the lockreleases and the display indicates the fixture is open. The customeropens the case and removes the desired merchandise. The system countsthe units removed from the fixture while open, and the caseautomatically locks once the fixture is closed. The customer's biometricinformation and merchandise removal behavior are data logged in thesystem database.

In the event the shopper exhibits a set of behaviors that exceeds aper-determined suspicious event threshold, the system can deploy localreal-time deterrents and/or notify store associates.

If the shopper is a known offender or is a shopper who has exhibitedrepeated suspicious behaviors in the past, they will be deniedself-service access to locked merchandise and the system notifies astore associate to open the locked fixture and provide “supervisedaccess” to the locked merchandise.

In the case of denial of self-service access, a store associate isnotified and once enrolled in the system, the store associate can usetheir own personal identifying information to unlock the case withoutthe need for keys.

There are multiple methodologies for achieving the operating sequencedescribed above and the detailed description that follows illustratesthe various methodologies and sensor which can be used to achieve thisoperational sequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fixture with userinterface of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a fixture withuser interface of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative view of the fixture of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a fixture withuser interface of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a fixture withuser interface of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative exemplary embodiment of a fixture withuser interface of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an overview of the self-access system presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is best understood by first gaining insight into the typesof sensors and devices which are coupled together to enable itsoperation. Keeping in mind that a specific attribute of the invention isthat is the operation of the invention is not dependent on any onespecific sensing or merchandise access restriction technology. Threecategories of sensors and devices are typically integrated to operatethe invention:

-   -   People identification sensors capable of uniquely identifying an        individual;    -   Merchandise interaction (customer behaviors) sensors.    -   Real-Time Deterrents Merchandise protection and suspicious        behavior notification devices;

Using the information and controllable access provided by these devicecategories, the invention determines if a given person is considered“trusted” and will be granted merchandise access. A more detaileddescription of each category follows.

Person Identification Sensors

The invention requires a method of uniquely and repeatedly identifyingeach person for which the invention is considering granting merchandiseaccess. As these sessions may occur on different days, at differentlocations within the store, and even at different stores theidentification method must remain accurate even when an individual wearsdifferent clothes, hair styles, etc. The invention also identifies storeassociates and allows them, once registered, access to merchandise forstocking purposes. The invention's core functionality does not requireidentifying the person “by name,” though some ancillary benefits,described later, may be realized with this functionality.

Any method of identification meeting the above requirements areacceptable. These include but are not limited to:

-   -   Facial recognition using video cameras;    -   Other biometric methods, such as iris recognition, fingerprint        detection, or any other biometric detection that can uniquely        identify an individual;    -   RFID, Bar Code, QR Code, and other methods integral to a card or        other device issued by the store (such as a loyalty card        selectively provided to customers by the store or even a        driver's license);    -   Cell phones carried by shoppers which may use local connectivity        (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth and/or NFC) as a means of identification;    -   Smart phones carried by shoppers that are logged in to the        retailer's app (the login considered adequate proof of        identification);    -   Using onboard biometric identification capabilities on smart        phones carried by shoppers, then relaying this confirmation to        the invention via the retailer's App, by presenting the        shopper's phone screen (displaying a QR or similar code) to the        invention's camera, or via a text message; the transaction could        be initiated on the shopper's phone resulting in identification        confirmation to the invention or the shopper could scan a QR or        similar code displayed by the invention to automatically launch        the identification process and the installed retailer's App on        the shopper's phone;    -   Smart phones carried by shoppers accessing a web site that        performs biometric identification; this method does not require        an installed retailer's App on the shopper's phone and could be        automatically launched by scanning a QR or similar code at the        fixture.    -   Any other device or method issued by the retailer which uniquely        identifies the individual        Location Confirmation of Identified Persons

Some methods of person identification inherently confirm the physicalpresence of the person at the locked fixture. For example, facialrecognition by a camera at the fixture. However, some identificationmethods described above using the shopper's smart phone do not providethis assurance, making it possible to intentionally or accidentallyunlock a fixture from a remote location, which is undesirable. Methodsto confirm physical location in such situations include but are notlimited to:

-   -   Short Range Wireless Connectivity with Shopper's Smart Phone:        Typically using Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth,        both of which have limited range but NFC being the most        suitable;    -   Location Based Services Detecting Shopper's Smart Phone: WiFi        services providing “triangulation” methods;    -   Dynamic QR Codes: While a shopper's phone could scan a QR Code        label affixed at the fixture location, a photo of that QR Code        could be used at any time and any place to inappropriately        trigger an unlock command. To avoid this, Dynamic QR Codes        displayed by the invention, or a nearby discrete device, change        periodically or even with every transaction.        Merchandise Protection and Suspicious Behavior Notification        Devices

The invention is typically used with one or more devices providing ameans of securing and/or limiting access to merchandise. A requirementof these devices is a means by which control signals from the inventionmay allow or deny complete and/or limited access to the protectedmerchandise. The possible types of devices that could meet thisrequirement are virtually unlimited; some examples:

-   -   Locked Cabinets/Doors: Typically, an electronically activated        locking device grants or denies access to the protected        merchandise behind the door. These range from fully enclosed        cabinets to flip doors in front of merchandise shelves to        refrigeration doors opened to access beer or other high-theft        merchandise;    -   Dispensing Display Fixtures: A wide variety of devices fit this        category which includes: peg hooks with a knobbed spiral coil        that must be turned to permit removal of one item at a time;        push button devices that dispense one item when pressed (much        like a vending machine); merchandise “pushers” that keep a        facing of merchandise pressed tightly against the front of a        shelf; and specialized fixtures (such as for canned baby        formula) that rely on a specific form factor for limiting the        number of units dispensed. Whether the operating mechanism is        largely mechanical or electronic, all compatible devices can be        controlled by the invention to permit (or not) dispensing of one        or more of the protected products or, in the case of pushers, to        disable the pushing function to limit access to merchandise.    -   Movable Fence: Any kind of sliding fence that can be moved to        gain access to the product.        Fixture Status Sensors

All of the fixtures the invention is compatible with would have sensoron the door/fence/dispensing mechanism which can detect the status ofthe fixture, namely, is the fixture “open” in the sense that merchandisecan be accessed, or is it “closed” in the sense that access to themerchandise is restricted or is inaccessible in the closed state.

Real Time Deterrents

Anti-theft deterrent devices can be controlled by the inventionincluding various communication, notification, and alarms devices. Usingproduct removal information from internal sensors such as themerchandise movement sensors, fixture status sensor, camera tamperingsensor etc., to detect suspicious events the invention can trigger localdeterrents such as notifying store personnel and/or activating localdeterrence devices which may be local alarms, flashing lights, audiosuch as PA announcements, turn on cameras, or any other traditionalanti-theft deterrent device which would deter the offender fromproceeding with the theft.

In one possible configuration, merchandise may not be physicallyprotected from access but rather the invention notifies store personneland/or activates local deterrence devices mentioned above when an“untrusted” person is detected interacting with or removing merchandise.

Customer Behavior Sensors Merchandise Interaction Sensors

It is desirable, though not always required, that sensors inform theinvention of the characteristics of the customer's set of behaviorsincluding merchandise interaction by the identified individual accessingthe merchandise. This may include the following detections (and possibleinvention characterizations):

-   -   No merchandise removed (typically considered a non-event);    -   One item removed, possibly including identification of the        specific merchandise item (a normal shopper purchase);    -   Multiple items removed within normal shopper patterns (likely        not considered a suspicious event);    -   Rapid or other abnormal removal of multiple items (a suspicious        event).    -   Multiple items removed of the same product beyond normal shopper        patterns (likely a suspicious event)    -   Replacement of product, as in a merchandise replenishment or        stocking action by a store associate or simply a customer        changing their mind about a purchase.

The invention is not dependent on any specific method of detecting theseinteractions and it is to be understood that not all acceptable methodsof detection are capable of providing all of the interactioncharacterizations listed above. The type of merchandise interactionsensor is typically determined and/or limited by the merchandiseprotection method used (e.g., locking case, peg hook, etc.). Generally,any sensor capable of providing at least some insight into the nature ofmerchandise interaction can be used by the invention. These sensors havethe common capability of measuring product interaction and some have theadditional capability of measuring inventory and specific product SKUlevel information. These sensing technologies include, but are notlimited to, the following:

-   -   Cameras (including 3D cameras) with integral or post-processing        capabilities able to detect merchandise interactions which may        include detection of hand penetrations into an open fixture and        quantity of items held in a hand during removal; these cameras        can also count the number of units before and after a        transaction, thereby “netting” the number of items removed less        the number replaced. These cameras could also be equipped with        Artificial Intelligence capable of detecting the type of        merchandise contained in the fixture down to the SKU level. This        SKU data is a useful input to both the TSS algorithm and for        stocking and replenishment purposes.    -   Vibration sensors able to detect the movement of merchandise        on/off shelves, peg hooks, and other displays;    -   Switches (including magnetic switches and similar) detecting        merchandise removal on dispensing display fixtures.    -   Weight measuring pads that can determine the number of items on        a shelf.    -   Light detecting devices which can determine the location and        number of items on a shelf    -   RFID tags which can be detected by a receiver and count units        being removed from a fixture or being replaced. This technology        can also uniquely identify the product down to the SKU level.        This SKU data is a useful input to both the TSS algorithm and        for stocking and replenishment purposes.    -   Smart Fixtures: any fixture with sensing technology that can        determine units being removed from a fixture and also the        inventory position of each product contained in the fixture.        This inventory data is a useful input for stocking and        replenishment purposes.    -   Sound detection: fixtures which detect an audible sound related        to product removal

As noted previously, not all of these methods can reliably provide allpossible merchandise interaction characteristics. However, the inventioncan be configured to optimize for best use of those characterizationsthat can be provided.

The Trusted Shopper Algorithm and Development of the “Trusted ShopperScore”

An individual's privileged access to secured merchandise is determinedby an algorithm which takes as its primary input this individual'sshopping behavior during each fixture access event. Based on theindividual identification methodology utilized by the invention, thealgorithm may have access to databases containing multiple additionalattributes (ie. metadata) related to this individual which enable to thealgorithm to consider these additional attributes to make more informedmerchandise access decisions. These additional individual attributes aresummarized in the section below entitled Shopper Metadata. This Metadatais used to place individuals into a “classification”.

Past shopping behaviors, combined with these Metadata attributesresulting in an individual's classification are inputs to the algorithmand are used to develop a Trusted Shopper Score or TSS. This TSS is anumerical score which can be compared to a programmable Trusted ShopperScore threshold set by the retailer as the basis for ongoing access tolocked merchandise. In fact, as different merchandise carries differentrisks of theft, the retailer could program each individual lockedfixture with its own unique TSS threshold based on the merchandisecontained in that fixture.

Past Shopping Behavior and Trusted Shopper Score

Each time the individual demonstrates trustworthy behavior during afixture access event, the algorithm increases that person's TSS.Likewise, detected undesirable behavior (such as abnormal merchandiseinteraction activity and permitting “tailgating” or allowing othershoppers access to an open fixture) results in the reduction of thatindividual's Trusted Shopper Score. Once established, the TrustedShopper Score is compared to a TSS threshold established by the retailerand as long as the individual remains above the threshold, future accessprivileges are maintained. If an individual's TSS drops below thethreshold, the system will deny unsupervised access to the merchandiseand will summon a store associate. For example, an aggressive TSSthreshold might deny unsupervised access based on one suspiciousmerchandise interaction. In this aggressive example, a single incidenceof unacceptable behavior effectively revokes that shopper's privilegedaccess rights.

There are many reasons a retailer may not elect such an aggressivethreshold. After all, retailers do not want to alienate loyal shoppersand often are more concerned about sales losses than theft losses. Sinceit is possible that acceptable behavior may occasionally be incorrectlyperceived as unacceptable, a more lenient threshold could be warrantedsuch that a complete loss of unsupervised access occurs only when a veryserious and definitive breech of behavior is detected and/or whenmultiple suspicious events are detected or a pattern of unacceptablebehavior has occurred.

Another input to the algorithm is simply the passage of time. Forexample, when a shopper removes a large number of units from a fixture,this behavior is generally viewed as suspicious and would negativelyaffect their TSS. This could result in denied unsupervised access.However, this behavior may have been instigated by an in-store sale ormay simply be forward buying behavior based solely on a discounted priceor promotion. If a shopper forward buys several packs of razor bladesfor example, the algorithm may drop their TSS sufficiently to berestricted from accessing any locked merchandise. After the passage of aspecified period of time, the algorithm would increase their TTS to anacceptable level to allow self-service access again. The algorithm mayalso allow the same individual to be granted access to other merchandisewhile being restricted from accessing razor blades for a specifiedperiod of time.

Accordingly, the set of shopping behavior factors that may be consideredby the algorithm include, but are not limited to:

-   -   Immediate past behavior event    -   Multiple past behavior events    -   Patterns of behavior (such as attempts to “game the system” like        alternating acceptable behavior and theft behavior to gain        tokens)    -   Accuracy of sensing technology: The ability to detect suspicious        behaviors is based on the type of behavior detection sensors;        for example, dispensing devices typically have a very high        accuracy on the quantity and specific merchandise removed while        vibration detection devices are less accurate; video sensing        accuracy is often dependent on camera placement and merchandise        type.    -   Value of merchandise subjected to unacceptable removal.    -   Specific SKUs removed.    -   Time between past and current attempts to access the        merchandise.    -   Shopper history; purchasing history; registered membership in        store programs; high store App utilization; and/or long and        frequent loyalty would be considered more trusted;

The inclusion and/or weighting of the above factors are used eitheralone, or in combination with Shopper Metadata, and the individual'sclassification by the algorithm and result in a “Trusted Shopper Score”for that individual. The retailer then sets a TSS threshold which isused by the invention in evaluating merchandise access requests tolocked fixtures. This same TSS may be used by other store systems forgranting levels of shopper permissions, such as unsupervisedself-checkout, use of store portable scanning devices, and otherprivileged services, or virtually any service which otherwise wouldrequire supervision by store personnel.

First Locked Fixture Interaction

The configuration variables of the invention enable the retailer todetermine how to initiate new shoppers into the system. For example, thealgorithm could be configured such that all first-time users (exceptthose in the pre-existing “Known Offender” database, described later)are considered trusted and provided privileged access. So long asacceptable behavior is observed on the initial and subsequentinteractions, access privilege is granted.

An alternative implementation might require shoppers to register or“opt-in” to the system (e.g., via a loyal shopper program or otheridentification means described above) as a prerequisite to being grantedprivileged access. By opting into the system, the shopper would then begranted greater shopping convenience. In this case, identification ofthe individual could link to a known “by name” loyal shopper database.

Self-Calibration of Suspicious Event Declaration

As previously noted, if the quantity of items removed from a monitoredfixture exceeds the suspicious event threshold, that transaction isdeemed a “Suspicious Event” and the shopper associated with the actionwill have their TSS negatively impacted (depending on the incident andother factors comprising their Trusted Shopper Score). The removal of anextreme quantity of merchandise in a single transaction, however, wouldexceed an even higher suspicious event threshold defining a “SweepEvent”. Even an individual with a high Trusted Shopper Score wouldlikely be severely penalized if associated with a Sweep Event.

An acceptable number of product removals will vary based the type ofmerchandise contained in the locked fixture. As the number of lockedfixtures utilizing the invention grows, a single retailer may havethousands of cases utilizing this self-service invention. Manuallydetermining, configuring, and maintaining appropriate event thresholds,especially the Suspicious Event threshold across thousands of lockedfixtures across hundreds of stores, can become very time consuming andperhaps impractical to manage. The fine line between a reasonably normalshopping quantity and a somewhat excessive quantity can vary bymerchandise assortment, store location, and even season of the year. Theinvention's threshold self-calibration function automates this task byperiodically adjusting the Suspicious Event threshold based on astatistical analysis of customer behaviors over time.

Self-calibration requires the retailer to establish an initialSuspicious Event Rate by estimating the percentage of transactionsrepresenting Suspicious Events. For example, the retailer may estimate(as is generally the case) that 98 of its shoppers are trusted andlegitimate, and therefore 2% of its shoppers are potential offenders.This estimate represents the percent of fixture opening events thatwould likely be related to theft events. This percentage establishes theSuspicious Event Rate. After an initial statistically relevant number offixture opening events, the system would then automatically adjust theSuspicious Events Threshold (defined as the number of unit removalsdetermined to be suspicious) based on actual measured product removalbehavior observed by previous shoppers according to the percentthreshold set by the retailer. The invention's self-calibrationalgorithm retains product removal data from each opening event and usesthat data to calculate a suspicious event threshold based on thesuspicious event rate indicated by the retailer. In this example, thenumber of units removed by the top 2 percent of shoppers would be deemedSuspicious Events. The invention then periodically adjusts the thresholdon a rolling basis to take into account possible merchandise changes,sale events, and other external factors that would affect the number ofproduct removals from the locked fixture.

This self-calibration algorithm uses statistical methods to eliminate“outliers” representing non-standard behaviors which would otherwiseskew the Suspicious Event Threshold or other system data in general. Forexample, if the top 2% of shopper merchandise interactions containnon-standard behaviors, the self-calibrating algorithm would determineif these interactions are non-standard outliers, and remove theseoutliers from the calculation of the suspicious event threshold. Toillustrate this scenario, if one or more of the 2% of shoppers used toestablish the suspicious event threshold were to take 500% more than theremainder of the top 2% of shoppers, this could skew the average forthis group and could impact one of the methods for calculating thesuspicious event threshold. Removing these outliers will create a moreaccurate suspicious event threshold based on more standard behaviors.

This self-calibrating algorithm may accept external metadata andindividual classification as inputs to more specifically calibrate eachindividual fixture and dynamically change the suspicious event thresholdaccording to changes in merchandise, pricing, or other external factorsthat may affect product removal behaviors. This meta data may includebut is not limited to the following; SKU level information about whatmerchandise is contained in the locked case (no matter how this data iscollected), RFID information, planogram information, pricing data, aswell as promotional information, weather events, any natural disasterevents, civil unrest, or any other metadata which is likely to affectproduct removal behaviors.

It is advantageous to eliminate known merchandise stocking data from theself-calibration algorithm. In the event the system has access tometadata and is aware of individual classifications such as storeassociates, vendors or other non-customers accessing the locked fixtureand the associated re-stocking events, the self-calibrating algorithmwould ignore product interaction data associated withnon-customer-initiated re-stocking events (or customer assistancerequests for denied or opt-out customers). In this way, the algorithmmay more accurately determine normal product removal thresholds withoutthe additional outliers created by stocking events or other non-customergenerated product removal events.

The Role of Metadata Databases and Integration with Other Store Systems

The invention's benefits can be enhanced through access to variousMetadata such as the following which would be used to developindividual's classifications and other purposes:

-   -   Registered Loyal Shoppers Database—as noted previously, this can        be useful as a means of rewarding loyal customers by initiating        privileged access. The shopper's habits and loyalty may be        considered by the Trusted Shopper algorithm in deeming certain        actions acceptable.    -   Purchase history of a shopper—by accessing a shopper's personal        shopping history, the TSS algorithm may provide for a more        lenient treatment of suspicious events committed by shoppers who        spend over a threshold with a retailer. This allows for the        avoidance of denying self-service access by a retailer's highest        spending customers.    -   Known Offender Database—includes known perpetrators such as        convicted shoplifters, suspected booster gang members, and other        individuals banned from privileged access. This database can be        an integration of data provided by local law enforcement,        through the retailer's own case management system or other known        offender databases. Known offenders are denied self-service        access but may still access the merchandise by the system        notifying a store associate to unlock the fixture. The system        can notify the store associate and communicate that a known        offender is requesting access to the locked merchandise,        allowing the associate to follow alternate product protection        protocol such as bringing the merchandise to the cashier rather        than handing it to the offender. Further, in the case of        unsecured but monitored merchandise, merchandise interaction by        those shoppers identified as known offenders will result in        immediate store associate notification actions as well as        deployment of local deterrents, as described earlier. It is        especially noteworthy that the known offender Database is not        exclusive to a specific store location but is a composite from        across multiple stores in that retailer's chain and perhaps even        shared information from other retailers.    -   Store Associates Database—includes the identity of all store        employees and is used to provide ready access to secured        merchandise to the associate in the course of assisting shoppers        not granted self-service privileged access; further, since the        act of re-stocking merchandise can be interpreted by some        sensors as a theft occurrence, an authorized store associate        would avoid this determination (for this reason, the system may        also refer to the time clock system database to verify the store        associate is on duty as a condition to ignoring what would        otherwise be deemed a suspicious event). This database can be        coupled to the retailers HRIS system which can automatically        enroll and remove store associates as they are hired and        terminated from the company. Additionally, this data would be        used by the self-calibrating algorithm to ensure only customer        product removal data is used in determining the suspicious event        thresholds.    -   Vendor Employee Database—in some cases, retailers ask        merchandise vendors to re-stock shelves with their products. In        these cases, non-retailer employees may be granted access to the        locked cases the same way store associates are granted access.        Much like the Store Associates Database, this provides identity        and authorization information (e.g., which merchandise        locations) regarding vendors who may re-stock certain        merchandise.    -   Video Management Systems: If video is used as a sensing        technology or if the merchandise is monitored by in-store video        surveillance, this video stream can be “bookmarked” by the        system to enable auditing of system performance as well as the        identification and possible apprehension of offenders who        exhibit suspicious behaviors.    -   Self-Checkout Auditing: Increasingly retailers are employing        self-checkouts. These self-checkouts have auditing procedures        which can identify individuals who fail to scan all items or        otherwise cheat the system. If individuals are uniquely        identified using this process, this database can be integrated        into the TSS algorithm to make better access decisions.        Alternatively, once a shopper exhibits suspicious behavior at        the locked case, if that customer is also identified at the        self-checkout, the attendant may be notified to assist that        shopper and ensure the items removed were properly checked out.    -   SKU Level Product Data: Awareness of the products contained in        the case is useful to the TSS algorithm to more precisely set        suspicious event thresholds. It is also useful for stocking and        replenishment purposes, as well as compliance with retailer        policies for which products should be placed in the fixture.    -   Gender, Age, and Mood Data: When using biometric or other        personal identification methodologies, these systems are capable        of determining age, gender and even mood. These inputs are        useful to the system in identifying customers who may need        assistance. This information is also useful to the retailer for        marketing and merchandising by identifying the demographics of        the customers who are accessing certain SKUs. This information        can be used to display more targeted advertisements on the        display of the invention or other specific local advertising        vehicles.        When Merchandise Access is Denied or Delayed

In the event a shopper's Trusted Shopper Score is below the TSSthreshold and requested access is denied, the invention summonsassistance to meet the customer's needs; methods include:

-   -   Customer Assistance Request: An audio or text message is sent        via communication devices carried by store associates or even        over the PA system. The reason for the denial (for example, an        unknown shopper vs. a known offender) can result in different        messaging and resulting actions. In this example, and depending        on store policy, associates may simply unlock the fixture and        hand the desired merchandise to the unknown shopper while the        associate may be required to accompany a known offender to        checkout or leave the merchandise at checkout for the known        offender to purchase on the way out;    -   Video Streaming: Making use of the invention's optional camera,        video display, microphone, and speaker, an automatic        live-streamed connection may be established between the shopper        at the fixture and a store associate (who may or may not        actually be in the store); depending on the situation, the        associate may remotely command the fixture to unlock or may        elect to physically go to the fixture or direct another        associate to do so to assist the customer.

In some situations, there may be a delay before merchandise access isgranted. For example, a retailer may elect to deter losses byconfiguring the system to include a hold-off time for unlocking afixture between requests from the same shopper or possibly evendifferent shoppers; invoking a hold-off and its duration may beinfluenced by the recent pattern of openings as well as the requestor'sTrusted Shopper Score. In such a situation, the display provides acountdown or other indication of the holdoff to encourage the shopper towait.

Applying Trusted Shopper Score to Self-Checkout and Exit Audits

Retailers are increasingly installing self-checkout stations in theirstores at which shoppers scan and pay for their own purchases. Notsurprisingly, this process is vulnerable to theft (such as not scanningall items taken by the shopper). Another method of self-checkout enablesshoppers to use mobile scanning devices provided by the store or eventheir own smartphone loaded with a store app to perform checkout asitems are selected on the sales floor and placed directly into bags orin a shopping cart. This is even more vulnerable to theft as individualscan easily drop some items into the bags without scanning or even exitthe store without scanning any items at all.

The invention can help reduce this theft activity in three ways:

-   -   Self-Checkout Behavior as in Input to the TSS Score: Most        self-checkout systems incorporate various devices, such as        analytical video monitoring or product weight measuring devices        to detect possible theft activity. Such detections can serve as        an input to the trusted shopper score algorithm and could result        in triggering a mandatory exit audit of a shopper's receipt        against items in their cart, require a “supervised checkout” by        a store associate on future visits, or a complete suspension of        self-checkout privileges should a pattern emerge.    -   Protected Merchandise not Scanned: As previously described, the        invention uses various sensors to detect removal of high-value        merchandise from secured and, in some cases, unsecured        locations. This merchandise removal may be associated with a        specific individual. If the removed merchandise is subsequently        not scanned by the same individual through a checkout process,        the algorithm may characterize that action as an unacceptable        behavior that may trigger a receipt audit or lead to revocation        of merchandise access and/or self-checkout privileges.    -   Selective Exit Auditing: As a further action related to either        self-checkout method, detection of removed merchandise not being        scanned could result in the trust algorithm triggering a        notification or other signaling method such that as the        individual approaches a store exit, their purchases may be        subjected to an exit audit to verify scanning accuracy.        Advertising, Marketing and Couponing Functions of the Invention

The invention by its very nature has a “captive audience” in terms of ashopper standing in front of a fixture containing specific merchandise.In addition, leveraging metatdata and an individual's classificationdata, advertising can be customized. This is an ideal environment fortargeted advertising to this individual in an attempt to influence theirpurchase behavior. This advertising capability is integral to theinvention and represents “high value real estate” to any potentialadvertiser.

The means of advertising is common and not important to the invention.It can be either audio or audio/visual. This can be delivered throughthe invention's built in audio capability, an external speaker, theinvention's built-in display, an auxiliary display located either on thefixture of adjacent to the fixture. Virtually any means of providingpromotional messaging can be utilized.

Selecting the right type of advertisement is core to the invention. Thetype of advertisement can be selected based on a range of inputs. Fromvery simple, such as what merchandise is contained in the case, tocomplex, utilizing personal information, metadata and an individual'sclassification related to the individual requesting access to the lockedmerchandise. Utilizing this information, the system can deliversignificantly more targeted, and therefor more effective advertisements.These advertisements can be brand advertisements, promotions such asadvertising a sale or special promotion. They can also be general storeads such as credit card promotions or loyalty membership benefits.

The following represent certain use cases for the advertising andmarketing functions of the invention.

Merchandise Contained in the Case: In the case where the system is awareof the merchandise contained in the case, either manually entered by theretailer or detected by the merchandise movement sensor, the system canprovide intelligent advertising related to and specific to themerchandise contained in the case. This can be product categoryadvertisements or it can be brand specific ads. If the system can detectwhen a certain SKU is sold out, a similar product can be suggested.

Personally-Identified Shoppers: In some configurations of the invention,the system knows the shopper “by name”. This is the case when theidentification methodology is a shopper's loyalty card number, or aretailer's App for example. Once shoppers trade personal identifyinginformation for the convenience of self-service access, the system knowswho is accessing the merchandise. This information can be used by thesystem to provide more targeted advertisements, especially when ashopper's metadata is leveraged. For example, VIP customers can beidentified and provided a “thank you” messaging to promote brandloyalty.

Anonymously-Identified Shoppers: In some configurations, the shopper isidentified uniquely but given an anonymous User ID. In this case, thesystem can keep track of the shopper over time but does not know theshopper's identity. In this case, the system is aware of the productslocated inside multiple fixture and, based on accumulated shopperpurchase behavior identified by which locked cases they have accessed,the system can play targeted advertisements when this shopper isdetected dwelling in front of the fixture, or when this shopper isaccessing the merchandise.

Age, Gender, and Mood Identified Shoppers: In some configurations, age,gender and mood data is added to the shopper identification. Thisinformation can be used as an input to select appropriate advertisingmessaging.

Shopper Dwell: The system is capable of detecting shopper dwell inproximity to the fixture using integrated dwell sensors. In some cases,this sensor cannot uniquely identify the shopper, in other cases, suchas with beacons or geofencing via the retailer's app, the system canpersonally identify the shopper. In this scenario, advertisements can beplayed enticing shoppers in proximity to the fixture to purchasemerchandise contained in the fixture.

Couponing: As part of the invention's marketing functions, it has theability to dispense coupons either generally to all individuals, orselectively based on the customer data is has available. Armed withcustomer data, the system can choose when to dispense a coupon. VIPcustomers or the Retailer's Loyalty Members may be given a coupon, whilenon-VIP or non-loyalty customers do not.

Dynamic Couponing: If the system has the capability to detect whichproducts are chosen from the fixture, a real-time coupon could bepresented to the shopper in an attempt to influence their productselection. In a competitive situation, coupons can be dynamicallydispensed based on the initial brand selection in the case. For example,if product from Brand A is selected, a coupon for Brand B can bepresented. If the shopper initially selects Brand B, no coupon isprovided.

In general, the system can accept inputs from any and all customerspecific information, metadata sources, and its own sensor data to makeintelligent decisions about advertising and couponing.

Non-Biometric Face Detection

Due to privacy concerns related to facial recognition and other forms ofbiometric data collection, some retailers may balk at adopting certainembodiments of the system described above. The alternative methoddescribed below avoids these concerns while still delivering many of thesystem's benefits.

It is noteworthy that one of the few theft prevention technologiesretailers report as effective, even when used over an extended time, isthe Public View Monitor (PVM). This ubiquitous device, seeminglyinstalled in every retail store, is simply a video display with anembedded camera such that the viewer sees him or herself in the display.These are generally located at store entrances or at certain high riskmerchandise. Some models provide a visual and/or audio indication whenmotion is detected to promote the inference of active detection. Theimplication is the video stream is being monitored and/or recorded.However, most PVM's are not even connected externally, much lessmonitored or recorded. Still, perpetrators are left to contemplate . . .are they watching? Often, the choice is to not take the chance,resulting in theft deterrence.

The alternative embodiment described here combines the uncertaintyinstilled by PVM's and with the deterrence of locked merchandise. Muchlike the invention described earlier using biometric means of uniquelyidentifying shoppers, shoppers desiring to purchase protectedmerchandise may do so by simply providing an acceptable image of theirface (or other biometric information). This means of accessing lockedmerchandise is significantly more convenient than calling a storeassociate. In addition to deterring theft, this approach also avertssales loses typical of secured merchandise and boosts productivity sincestore staff need not repeatedly go to the merchandise to assist theshopper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-BIOMETRIC METHOD

The following elements typically comprise implementation of this method:

-   -   Video Module: Includes a video display, an audio speaker, at        least one (hard or soft) button, and optionally, a        wired/wireless external connectivity provisions. Connectivity        enables the Video Module to accept information from local        sensors, if used, and to communicate with other devices and        systems on the store's network, to include communication        devices, monitoring stations, and servers. The Video Module is        physically small enough to minimize merchandise obstruction and        is adjustable to permit aiming the camera to capture the face of        users of varying heights, including those in wheelchairs.    -   Electronically Controlled Lock: As variety of theft mitigation        merchandise fixtures can be outfitted with the invention, the        actual locking mechanism will vary. The primary embodiment        employs a solenoid or magnetic locking control. Depending on the        configuration, a switch or other sensor (which may be a separate        device or integral to the locking mechanism) may monitor the        fixture to confirm return to its secure state (such as a door in        the closed position). Note that some configurations may not use        a lock, as described later.

While reasonable variations of the operating sequence may beimplemented, the following is typical.

First, a person desiring access to the locked merchandise so indicatesby pressing a hard or soft button on the touch screen display

A visual and/or audible message then instructs the user to look directlyat the camera typically located above the display. The display presentsthe customer with an image of the shopper from the embedded camera. Thecustomer aligns their face with a box on the screen, thus providing aperfect “mug shot” of the individual Upon detection of a face, atracking box optionally appears around the face and/or a captured imageof the face is displayed. No facial recognition occurs; merely detectionthat someone's human face has been presented to the camera.

After presence of the face has been detected, a short delay (typically,3 seconds) occurs to infer processing of the image. Some may assumefacial recognition and even identity database lookup is occurring duringthis time, though that is not the case. Various visual and/or audio cuesmay be presented during this time. For example, a yellow frame mayappear on the perimeter of the display and the words “Processing”displayed and possibly spoken.

At the end of the delay, the lock is released, allowing the shopper toselect the desired merchandise therein.

During the time merchandise is made available, merchandise removaldetection sensors as described above (such as fixture vibrationmonitoring devices, video, pressure mats, peg hook and pusher dispensecounters, and other technologies) detect the quantity of items beingremoved. If that quantity exceeds the suspicious event threshold alsodescribed above, the event is deemed “suspicious” and, depending onsystem configuration, the system may deploy a local deterrent such as anotification over the system's display, an audible alarm, flashinglights or turn on an external anti-theft deterrent and/or immediatelycreate an alert notification to store staff, local loss preventionpersonnel, or a remote monitoring station. Such notification istypically accompanied by the image or video captured when merchandiseaccess was granted.

The image of the person granted access remains on the screen until thetransaction terminates, the determination of which depends on fixturetype and system configuration. Three methods define termination:

-   -   Return to Secure State (Door)—This is typically detecting the        return of a door on a locked cabinet or a flip door on a        merchandise gondola to its closed state. It applies to other        securement methods in which releasing the lock permits a person        to open a door or other device then, after obtaining the desired        merchandise, the door or other device is returned to the closed        position, which is detected by the system using a switch or        other sensor.    -   Controlled Dispense (“Vending” Fixture)—Some secure merchandise        fixtures operate similar to a vending machine in which, once        access is granted, a person takes an action to dispense one (or        possibly more) items. For example, baby formula is a frequently        stolen item so is sometimes displayed in a fixture allowing only        one item to be removed at a time. Another example are the many        methods of limiting access to merchandise typically displayed on        peg hooks—from electronically locking peg hooks to “corkscrew”        manual twist devices that don't prohibit access but slow it        down. In these and many similar applications, an electronic        locking mechanism can be fashioned and controlled by the        invention.    -   Timed Access (Open Fixture)—In some situations, there may be no        physical barrier to the merchandise. For example, a vast        cosmetics assortment would be difficult or undesirable to        obstruct with a physical barrier. In this situation the Video        Monitor can be used in conjunction with methods to sense people        interacting with merchandise. There exist numerous sensing        methods for this including cameras, vibration sensors, infrared        virtual fences, pressure mats, and more). Once a face has been        detected, the Video Monitor permits access to this merchandise        for a defined period of time and/or a quantity of accesses        (penetration of hands into the merchandise area), then warns        that the interval is ending. Accessing merchandise outside of        this time interval can trigger a low level alarm, such as the        Video Monitor providing an audio message that access granting is        required or, if access persists, a higher alarm level such as        notifying loss prevention personnel.

After termination of access (such as the shopper closing the door), noadditional access requests will be processed throughout a configurablehold-off period, such as 30 or 60 seconds. The purpose of this hold-offperiod is to deter a thief from repeatedly accessing the lockedmerchandise and, with each access, removing a quantity of items belowthe suspicious event threshold. The system can be further configured todetect a suspicious pattern of repeated access which, itself, cantrigger a suspicious event and/or result in the system going intolockdown mode, disabling further self-service access for a time and/oruntil reset by local or remote personnel.

Yet another possible system action under such suspicious circumstancesis for the Video Monitor to immediately establish a real time video callwith a store associate's communication device (e.g., a smart phone orsimilar) or to a staffed computer at a remote monitoring station. Shouldthe subsequent conversation warrant, the store associate or monitoringstation personnel can command an unlock through the communication deviceor computer.

Likewise, should a shopper request access during the hold-off period,the system may be configured to immediately notify a store associatethat assistance is needed at that location or, as noted previously, avideo call may immediately be established with appropriate personnel whocan remotely unlock the merchandise, if warranted. Alternatively, ifobstacles to accessing store personnel are anticipated, the videodisplay may provide messaging to encourage a requesting shopper to waituntil the hold-off period expires.

The Video Monitor is capable of providing other benefits when notserving its primary function. For example, promotional information,including videos, regarding the protected merchandise could bedisplayed. Another available function is simply as a camera with aunique view accessible to the store's local or remote video monitoringstation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system providing self-service access to locked merchandise comprising: (a) providing a fixture that restricts access to the locked merchandise, wherein the fixture can automatically lock or unlock, allowing or restricting access to the locked merchandise; (b) providing a means of uniquely identifying an individual attempting to access the merchandise; (c) measuring a set of behaviors of the individual during any time the fixture is an open mode; (d) assessing whether the set of behaviors of the individual are suspicious or not relative to a set of suspicious event thresholds; (e) storing the individual and their set of behaviors as accessible records in at least one database; and (f) providing an algorithm which determines future access privileges of the individual to the fixture based on a set of variables, wherein the system is capable of deploying a set of real time deterrents once a suspicious behavior threshold is crossed.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fixture admits or restricts access based on a trusted shopper score assigned to the individual when compared to a trusted shopper score threshold.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one database is selected from the group consisting of a customer, a VIP customer, a known offender, a banned customer, a store associate, merchandise vendor, security personnel, and combinations thereof.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system assigns the individual's behavior as either normal or suspicious by comparing the set of behaviors of the individuals relative to interactions with the merchandise contained in the fixture or their interactions with the fixture itself against the set of suspicious event thresholds.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the means of uniquely identifying the individual is at least one selected from the group consisting of biometric identification methods, RFID, NFC, bar codes, QR codes, user ID and Passwords, credit or bank cards, driver's licenses, smart phone App's, and cell phones.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fixture restricts access to the merchandise in the fixture through restricting access to the merchandise relative to the individual until access is granted.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises at least one sensor to track and monitor the set of behaviors from the individual.
 8. The system of claim 2, wherein the trusted shopper score increases when the individual exhibits normal behaviors and the trusted shopper score decreases when the individual exhibits suspicious behaviors.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the individual can be associated with a classification of at least one selected from the group consisting of a customer, a VIP customer, a known offender, a banned customer, a store associate, merchandise vendor, security personnel, and combinations thereof.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the suspicious event threshold can be determined based on the classification of the individual.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein a class of individual can be denied access for a specified period of time.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the suspicious behavior threshold can be automatically set based on a statistical analysis of past behaviors from a number of individuals.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein individuals classified as authorized store associates have suspicious event and trusted shopper score thresholds set to allow stocking of the fixture without such behavior being classified a suspicious behavior.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of real time deterrents comprises a local real-time deterrent.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the system will transmit a class specific response comprising sending a unique identifier (UID) to a store associate if a request to open the fixture is made by certain high risk classes of individuals.
 16. The system of claim 1 wherein a user of the system can enroll known offenders, store associates, vendor personnel, and security personnel into its individual classification database. 